I Am Coughing Up Green Phlegm – What Should I Do?

Coughing up green phlegm is a sure sign of a bacterial infection in the bronchi or lungs, but it could also indicate post nasal drip caused by a sinus infection. In case of a viral infection or allergic irritation of upper respiratory organs, you are more likely to experience clear mucus.

Excessive mucus production is your body’s defense mechanisms to ward off viruses, bacteria and allergens and expelling them from your body with the means of cough. It’s crucial not to take any cough suppressing medications as doing so, might cause mucus build up in lungs and result in pneumonia.

If you are coughing up green phlegm, there are a few major steps you can take to make you feel better and help your body heal itself faster according to one of the well known alternative medicine gurus Dr. Mercola: http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/20/how-to-flush-away-sinus-ills.aspx

3. Limit meat and meat products as these foods cause excessive mucus production that you want to avoid.

4. Enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables and vegetable juices like carrot, celery and garlic.

5. Drink plenty of purified water or herbal teas like thyme, ginger sweetened with honey.

6. Eat foods spiced with garlic and hot peppers to facilitate blood circulation in the lungs and help break up throat mucus if you are coughing up yellow mucus in addition to green one.

7. Take hot showers a couple of times daily if you are coughing up green phlegm to help loosen it up.

8. Indulge yourself in a massage to increase circulation and help with the healing process.

Another well trusted natural health advisor Dr Weil recommends trying out his three-week long anti-inflammatory diet plan to eliminate common allergens and toxins from the diet. Anti-inflammatory diet is a great way to reduce symptoms of common inflammation in the body that may lessen allergies including recurrent sinus problems and coughing up green phlegm symptoms. (http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART02012/anti-inflammatory-diet) The diet is focused on the consumption of fresh and unprocessed vegetables, eating more legumes, omega-3 rich wild fish, organic grains and fruits. Coupled with a sensible exercise routine appropriate for your age, relaxation techniques and limiting exposure to everyday household toxins, it can bring relief to even the most stubborn cases of allergies, chronic bronchitis and sinusitis in the long run.

Dr Weil further explains that enhancing immune system by eating a wholesome diet and incorporating certain vitamins and herbal supplements will eventually banish inflammatory conditions leading to excessive mucus and coughing up green phlegm. Nasal irrigations and applying hot towels over face or chest may help loosen up phlegm for faster evacuation. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA236836

If you take at least a couple of mentioned above measures it will help you with coughing up green phlegm and eventually removing it from your body. Make sure to not swallow it back as it may reintroduce unnecessary waste products back into your body.

Phlegm color is a very important indicator of a possible more serious health problem that should be brought up with your doctor.

Disclaimer

The information provided herein is intended for a general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or a treatment for specific medical conditions. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always consult with your doctor or other professional healthcare provider for a medical advice.